No sympathy for ‘disgruntled divas’

Re: “From Brazil to the Big O: Tales of migrants’ journey” (Montreal Gazette, Aug. 8)

I am angered and disgusted by the account of those Turkish asylum-seekers who rejected the temporary accommodations freely provided for them at the Olympic Stadium.

I do not expect newcomers to kiss our symbolic Canadian feet in gratitude, but I do object to their derision after they’ve been granted entry to our country — albeit sans private showers en suite immediately upon their arrival.

When I think about my parents’ experience, my resentment of those Princess-and-the-Pea-types — rolling luggage, carrying mobile devices — tends to overcome my sense of societal sympathy.

My parents fled to Canada from the Communism and anti-Semitic pogroms of post-Revolution Russia, and they became productive and patriotic citizens here without the benefit of government assistance (other than free English-language classes).

When I contemplate the number of sick, hungry and homeless veterans sleeping on our streets, it only adds to my utter disdain for these disgruntled divas.

Perhaps some of the funds expended to assist those seeking refuge from the U.S. could be better spent on improving the level of care afforded to my fellow veterans living out their last days at Ste. Anne’s Hospital.

Lt. (Ret’d) Wolf William Solkin, Ste. Anne’s Hospital, Ste-Anne de Bellevue